Christmas Neighbors to begin accepting applications Oct. 30

The Jefferson County Christmas Neighbors program has announced that it will be accepting applications to help those in need this year beginning Monday, Oct. 30.

According to a news release, the program is in its 71st year helping low income families and their children over the holiday season.

Volunteers will be on hand to take applications by phone.

Last year, some 591 families and over 1,600 children were supported through the Adopt-a-Family and Toy and Food Giveaway programs, the release stated.

Those interested in sponsoring one or more families through the Adopt-a-Family program are encouraged to contact the program office by phone to speak with a volunteer.

The toy distribution will be held Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Jefferson County Fair Park, 503 N. Jackson Ave., Jefferson.

Applicants are assigned an hour to shop for toys, hats and mittens and a blanket. They also will receive a box of food and wrapping paper, the release noted.

Donations of new and gently used toys, used children’s books, new mittens, gloves and hats, used household and Christmas items, and wrapping paper are needed.

Those interested in making donations of such items are encouraged to bring them to the fairgrounds Tuesday, Dec. 12, or they may be dropped off anytime at any of the following locations: Premier or Badger Bank, Fort Community Credit Union, City County Credit Union, U.S. Cellular in Jefferson, Jefferson Memory Care or Theisens, the release stated.

Those interested in making an application or sponsoring a family may call: 920-674-4499. Volunteers will be on hand between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, through Wednesday, Dec. 6, according to the release.

Those wishing to make a monetary donation are encouraged to send a check to Christmas Neighbors Inc., P.O. Box 177, Jefferson, WI, 53549 or donate through the organization’s PayPal account found on its website: christmasneighbors.org.